Market Segment:
Enduro / Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Enthusiast Owners, Independent Repair Shops, BMW Technicians
Key Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin (later models), Yamaha XT600, Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650
Vehicle Key Features:
Robust Boxer Twin Engine, Monolever Rear Suspension, Durable Construction, Excellent Off-Road Capability, Long-Distance Touring Comfort
Manual Utility:
Essential for DIY maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the R 80 GS.
Engine System:
Full Engine Overhaul, Top End (Cylinder Heads, Valves), Bottom End (Crankshaft, Connecting Rods), Piston/Cylinder Assembly, Camshafts, Timing Chain, Oil Pump, Lubrication System
Fuel System:
Carburetor Diagnosis and Rebuild (Bing 32/40), Fuel Pump, Fuel Lines, Fuel Tank and Cap
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (CDI), Ignition Coils, Spark Plugs, Ignition Timing Adjustment
Exhaust System:
Muffler Replacement, Exhaust Pipe Connections, Gasket Replacement
Transmission System:
Gearbox Disassembly and Reassembly, Clutch Operation and Adjustment (Dry Clutch), Gear Shifting Mechanism, Final Drive (Shaft Drive) Inspection and Maintenance
Chassis System:
Frame Inspection, Swingarm, Rear Suspension (Monolever Paralever System), Front Suspension (Telescopic Forks), Steering Head Bearings
Braking System:
Front and Rear Drum/Disc Brakes (depending on specific market configuration), Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed, Master Cylinder, Caliper Overhaul
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery Maintenance, Charging System (Alternator/Generator), Starter Motor, Lighting System (Headlight, Taillight, Indicators), Instrument Cluster, Horn
Bodywork And Trim:
Fender Removal/Installation, Seat Replacement, Fuel Tank Mounting, Fairing/Windscreen (if equipped) Removal/Installation, Luggage Rack Systems
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil and Filter Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement, Valve Clearance Adjustment, Drive Shaft Lubrication, Battery Charging
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical System Troubleshooting and Component Replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common Problems, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Tables, Fault Code Interpretation (if applicable)
Specifications Data:
Torque Values for all fasteners, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Rebuild Depth:
Complete Engine and Transmission Rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
References to special tools and diagnostic procedures
Engine Type:
Air-Cooled, Four-Stroke, Flat-Twin (Boxer)
Displacement:
797.5 cc (798 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
84.8 mm x 70.6 mm
Valve Train:
Overhead Camshafts (SOHC), Pushrods, Rocker Arms
Power Output:
Approx. 50 hp (37 kW) at 6500 rpm (stated DIN)
Torque Output:
Approx. 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm (stated DIN)
Carburetion:
Twin Bing 32/40 Constant Velocity (CV) Carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US Gallons)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
3.0 Liters (3.2 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Grade:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 (API SG or higher)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Constant Mesh Gearbox
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate Clutch (operated via cable)
Final Drive:
Shaft Drive with Universal Joint to Rear Wheel
Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.25 Liters (0.26 US Quarts)
Length:
Approx. 2220 mm (87.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1375 mm (54.1 in) at seat
Dry Weight:
Approx. 200 kg (441 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs) (fully fueled)
Front Wheel Size:
2.15 x 19 inch (spoked)
Rear Wheel Size:
3.00 x 17 inch (spoked)
Front Tire Size:
90/90-19 (Tubed)
Rear Tire Size:
130/80-17 (Tubed)
Front Suspension Type:
Telescopic Fork with 200mm travel
Rear Suspension Type:
BMW Monolever with WP Monoshock, Adjustable Preload, 170mm travel
Front Brake Type:
Single 285mm Disc with 2-Piston Caliper (some models may have drum)
Rear Brake Type:
Drum Brake (some models may have disc)
Crash Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety is inherent in design, not typically rated by consumer agencies like cars)
Handling Stability:
Balanced chassis geometry, Monolever rear suspension contributing to stability
Braking Performance:
Adequate braking for the era, disc brake option offers superior stopping power
Lighting System:
Halogen Headlight, LED Taillight/Brake Light, Turn Signals
Frame Construction:
Steel Tubular Frame providing rigidity and protection
Infotainment System:
None (Basic motorcycle instrumentation)
Driver Assistance Features:
None (Mechanical systems only)
Connectivity Features:
None
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, engine temperature warning light, oil pressure warning light, neutral indicator, high beam indicator.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or annually
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 10,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 10,000 miles)
Drive Shaft Lubrication:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (check manual for specific type and replacement interval)
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 15W (refer to manual for specific grade and quantity)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, worn swingarm bearings, alternator brushes, exhaust header leaks, starter motor solenoid issues, carburetor synchronization.
Potential Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded connectors, aging wiring harness insulation, voltage regulator issues.
Chassis Care:
Regular cleaning and inspection of the frame, suspension linkages, and driveshaft boot.
Brand Legacy:
BMW Motorrad, renowned for engineering, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design since the early 20th century.
Predecessor Model:
BMW R 80 G/S
Key Evolution From G S:
Introduction of the Monolever rear suspension system for improved handling and reduced unsprung weight.
Development Context:
Building on the success of the R 80 G/S, the R 80 GS aimed to enhance performance and rider comfort for adventure touring and off-road use.
Production Years:
1987-1995 (for R80GS variant, with minor updates)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
